Afternoon everyone.

 

I've just joined after buying a Mk1 vRS estate from a friend of my Dad's.

I previously had a well-sorted Fiesta ST but a new baby forced sale.

 

The car is in nice nick, and I knew it needed a bit of work on things like tyres, but I don't think any of us expected the oil pump to fail after 20 minutes of driving!

I got the AA to tow me back from Derby to Manchester - I live in Chorlton if anyone is nearby.

 

Anyhow, I've had the pump and oil changed, new cam belt and water pump and sorted the tyres and it's a great car.

One thing I've really noticed is that the chassis is really not up to the power!

In short my shocks are totally shot, I'm pretty sure they are the original (12 years, 118k miles) and I've spent the past few days trying to track down a set of fronts that will actually fit the vRS.

 

Found plenty of threads on here with people having the same problem, but can't find anyone listing correct part numbers...

So if anyone can shed any light on it, I'd be very grateful!

 

I live in Chorlton in south Manchester, so if anyone is nearby, give me a shout.

 

Cheers,

Nick

You need to find the so-called PR code for your front suspension.  This should be on the car data sticker in the front of your service book, or stuck to the metalwork somewhere in the boot area.  It will be a G followed by a two-digit number.  Then cross-reference that to the numbers in the right-hand column of this page for item 22/22A, to select from the range of possible part numbers for the front shocks.

Wino, thanks for the info.

 

I've already found the code - 1J0413031CM, which is the PR-G85 for sports suspension. There are no alternative parts listed as far as I can see.

What I cannot find is someone who sells an equivalent for these!

 

I've already bought a set of four Bilstein B4s from GSF car parts, but whilst the rears might fit (not tried), the fronts won't because they don't have the mounting for the drop links...

If necessary I'll get some from the main dealer, just trying to avoid the main dealer prices :-)

Sorry, I wasn't much help then!

If you were really patient, you could keep an eye on Ebay to see if any New Old Stock genuine items show up with that number, but the chances are they'd be one at a time, so it might be a frustrating wait.  Other than that, try your local TPS (Trade Parts Specialists), who'll be cheaper than a dealership, if they'll sell to Joe Public (many branches will).

I appreciate your help, Wino.

I've learned everything I know about vRS suspension from extensive Googling and trawling this forum for previous owners in my shoes, plus a couple of other people have replied to another post.

I'd found a website similar to the one you linked (the reference one), but it was all in Russian or Czech and I was having to try and work out what was what...

 

I was under the impression TPS wouldn't sell to retail. There's one only a mile or two from me, so I'll give them a try.

Sorry, I wasn't much help then!

If you were really patient, you could keep an eye on Ebay to see if any New Old Stock genuine items show up with that number, but the chances are they'd be one at a time, so it might be a frustrating wait.  Other than that, try your local TPS (Trade Parts Specialists), who'll be cheaper than a dealership, if they'll sell to Joe Public (many branches will).

I went to TPS in Trafford Park today and they were very helpful.

Ended up buying their economy range front shocks for £85 pair and ordered a pair of OEM shocks for the rear £100 pair, so as long as 'economy' doesn't mean 'sub-standard' then I'll be a happy man. 

Cheers for the lead, Wino.

:sun:

Surprisingly reasonable prices, I think.